Faith Nyasuguta
A quiet but powerful diplomatic and defense signal emerged on June 2, 2025, when top executives from China’s state-owned defense giant, CATIC (China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation), touched down in Accra. Their destination? Ghana’s Naval Headquarters. Their mission? To explore new frontiers in military collaboration, one naval handshake at a time.
Led by Mr. Fang Xu, Director of CATIC’s Africa Department, the Chinese delegation paid a courtesy visit to Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Ghana’s Chief of Naval Staff. It was a meeting steeped in symbolism and strategy, a potential prelude to stronger military ties between the two nations, especially in the critical realm of maritime defense.
While no contracts were signed, the dialogue laid the groundwork for what could be a significant partnership. Discussions focused on naval modernization, technical training, surveillance systems, and the possibility of Chinese-manufactured maritime platforms tailored for Ghana’s coastal needs. As Mr. Xu introduced his team and CATIC’s capabilities, Rear Admiral Bessing did not mince words.
“Partnering with experienced international corporations like CATIC to bring in advanced technology and expertise is crucial for us to effectively tackle contemporary maritime security challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational crimes,” he said.
CATIC, with its long-standing reputation for exporting Chinese-made military aircraft, vessels, and defense technology, is no stranger to Africa. But this visit marked a strategic shift, a direct bid to support Ghana in bolstering its naval readiness at a time of rising insecurity across West Africa.
Ghana finds itself in an increasingly tense neighborhood. While largely stable internally, the country is exposed to growing maritime threats like piracy and illegal fishing, alongside inland concerns such as youth radicalization. Armed groups operating in neighboring Burkina Faso, including JNIM and Islamic State affiliates, are steadily moving south, drawing closer to Ghana’s borders. Coastal nations like Ghana, Togo, and Benin are now on high alert.
In response, Ghana has prioritized strengthening its naval force, seeking partnerships that can deliver both technology and long-term capability. For Ghana, it’s about protecting national waters, but also about regional stability. For China, it’s an opportunity to deepen its military footprint on the continent through technology transfer and defense diplomacy.
Both sides expressed optimism after the meeting, hinting that the visit may be the first step in a growing partnership. With the waves of insecurity rising, Ghana may soon find a reliable defense ally in the East.
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